In September and October 2022, the Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai in partnership with EU partners, local art museums and theatres, presented the “Diverse as We Are” – International Festival of Inclusive Culture (DAWA) 2022. The purpose of the festival was to contribute to increased diversity and inclusion through artistic productions and avantgarde cultural expressions. The project was funded by the EU National Institutes for Culture and European Spaces of Culture.
On September 17 the Consulate General of Sweden organized film screening “Catwalk - From Glada Hudik to New York” in Shanghai. The film screening was followed by a conversation with Pär Johansson, founder of the Glada Hudik teatern, and actress Emma Örtlund. Catwalk strives to show that everyone can be involved in creating a society that is equal, diverse, and inclusive. The film was supported by Swedish Film Institute and The Swedish Institute, and the event was attended by around 60 people.
In October the Consulate General of Sweden showcased the exhibition “AccessAbility” at UrbanCross in central Shanghai. The exhibition portrays 26 individuals from various walks of life and with different types of disabilities, from both Sweden and China. Consul General Swärd Capra inaugurated the exhibition on October 25, and an online panel discussion about diversity, photography and art was held on October 26, featuring speakers Da Chengzi, Swedish photographer Markus Marcetic, Chinese photographer Yan Cong and influencer Xiaojia. AccessAbility is a co-production between the Swedish Institute, and the Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai. The exhibition was seen by around 700 visitors.
In total over 40 events and activities were shown during DAWA since September in Shanghai and raised awareness among Chinese, European, and international partners, cultural institutions, and visitors about the lives and art productions of people with and without disabilities.
